Real Madrid wisely extend breakout star midfielder with massive release clause

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Federico Valverde of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Bernabeu on November 26, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Federico Valverde of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Bernabeu on November 26, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Real Madrid center midfielder Fede Valverde will be shining at the Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come, as the team have reportedly signed an extension with the young Uruguayan.

Fede Valverde has been instrumental to Real Madrid’s turnaround in form this season. He burst onto the scene during a stretch of clean sheets against Sevilla, Osasuna, and Atletico Madrid in La Liga, as those three games followed a 3-0 loss to PSG. Since then, Valverde has established himself as the biggest breakout star for Los Blancos this season, even shining in Tuesday’s Champions League draw with PSG.

It’s no surprise to hear that Real have already rewarded the midfielder’s performances with an extension.

Jose Felix Diaz and Juan Castro of MARCA report Valverde has signed an extension with Los Merengues through the 2024-2025 season, meaning he’ll be tied down with the team for, hopefully, the next five years.

In only months, Valverde has shown Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane that he is an indispensable part of Los Blancos’ future. Thanks to Valverde’s breakout, Real no longer have to desperately chase superstar box-to-box midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante from established Premier League powerhouses, because both men would cost a fortune.

Instead, Real have found a homegrown solution in Valverde.

Madrid look like a completely different team with Valverde in the lineup, even allowing both of their goals to defensive breakdowns in the span of three minutes after he came off the pitch against PSG this week.

Valverde’s had two Man of the Match performances already this season in wins over Granada and Eibar, and he isn’t done yet. He’s scored two outside-the-box goals in his last three games, showing technical ability to go with his tireless running and excellent defense. The 21-year-old’s one-touch passes and graceful dribbling have also begun to shine more often for both club and country.

There’s no doubt that Valverde has become a crucial part of Zidane’s rotation and a regular starter in the biggest games. Real Madrid are once again Champions League title contenders, and Valverde’s breakout is a big reason for this. It’s awesome to see him rewarded with a hefty extension, which includes a 750 million euro release clause that all but guarantees he’ll be in Madrid for the duration of the deal.

Indeed, Valverde has a chance to become a very special player at the White House.